LIDC MIGRATION laos

Question 1

Laos

Answer 1

Landlocked LIC in Southeast Asia
Population 6.8 million
GDP per capita US$2630

Question 2

Patterns of immigration and emigration

Answer 2

High net migration loss. One per 1000 in 2020
In 20 17 1.3 million Laos born migrants lived abroad mainly in Thailand
40,000 foreign born in Laos

Question 3

Reasons for emigration to Thailand

Answer 3

Farming in Laos mainly subsistence - no financial prospects
Daily minimum wage much higher in Thailand
Unskilled work available in Thailand
Similar culture and language

Question 4

Migration policies

Answer 4

Laos is a source country for trafficking
Government is working with various agencies to implement tougher anti-trafficking policies, prevention protection prosecution

Question 5

Interdependence of countries linked by migration

Answer 5

Laos - Thailand migration corridor, unskilled migrants support Thai economy and send remittances which helped develop Laos
Countries work together on Mekong river commission

Question 6

Opportunities

Answer 6

Political and economic cooperation between Laos and Thailand
Remittances are very important to families as 20% of below poverty line
Political stability, improving in the region

Question 7

Challenges

Answer 7

Most migrants from Laos are low, skilled and young so likely to travel illegally and be vulnerable trafficking and exploitation
Loss of skilled labour to Thailand
Laos garment industry needs to improve working conditions to prevent workers moving into Thailand